Which BLC program do you recommend?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 13:29:41 -0400

Forgive me if this has been asked before but I didn't have luck trying to search this one the site.

I am currently look to attend BLC next year and to my knowledge as long as there is an open slot and you meet the requirements - you can apply to one of the many BLC courses offered throughout the country. For those who have been, which posts do you believe offer the best experience? I believe they offer it at Huachuca, where I will be taking other courses, but I figure if I can get the opportunity to visit somewhere else I'd take the opportunity.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2018 1:36 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 13:36:18 -0400

I think you'd be hard pressed to find an unbiased opinion on which post offers a "better" BLC unless you find someone who has been a BLC instructor at more than one post. I went to camp shelby when it was WLC. I liked it, and thought it was fair. Jist remember the more work you put into it, the more you'll get out of it.

Response by SGT Jim Ramge, MBA made Oct 3 at 2018 1:37 PM

SGT Jim Ramge, MBA — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 13:37:42 -0400

Huachuca is almost 3000 ft in the air... Though it offer a nice climate, unless your run is on par, it could cause some headaches - literally, as well as dehydration! Other than that, Ft. “We Got You” is in the middle of no where and offers a quaint beautiful little desert scene of a backdrop against the mountainanous desert terrains of the AZ desert! Hope you like dust and/or rain and heat depending on when you go! Been in and out of Sierra Vista since ‘83!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2018 1:39 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 13:39:34 -0400

BLC isnt MOS- DEPENDENT so you will likely be slotted in the course that has the lowest overall cost to your unit.

Best of luck!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2018 1:57 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 13:57:25 -0400

The opportunity to attend BLC at different locations within the country will be based entirely on the budget of the Command that will be sending you. Your Training NCO will (should) send a request to your BN requesting an ATRRS Seat Reservation. Naturally, they will try and match you to the closest place possible in order to save time and money. If you are given a reservation confirmation seat in a different state, then it is what it is. As for which one is better, that will be merely a matter of perspective based on the Students that attend where ever it is they attend. My BLC at Camp Williams, UT (a National Guard post) was great and my class SGLs were top notch in knowledge, professionalism and their ability to educate and assist all of us up and coming SPCs.

One key thing you need to be aware of. If you are HUNGRY for a BLC seat, then where ever and when ever they get you a seat, you should JUMP ON THAT and not be picky/choosey. Too many times I have seen young Soldiers and even NCOs get a reservation for NCOES after fighting to get a seat and then turn around and reject it because it doesn't "match" where or when they wanted to go. Basically, if your unit turns around and tells you that you have a confirmed seat for BLC at FT Dix, NJ and the course starts in two weeks......the only questions you should be asking are: Do I have orders? Is there a Packing List? How soon do I need to start my DTS?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2018 6:52 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 18:52:45 -0400

Typically you will be sent to the closest location available to your unit due to budgets. All regular Army BLCs have an exact POI to follow that is dictated by USASMA and NCOCOE. The only difference will be the quality of the instructors and how well they teach the classes. BLC has recently gone through a major revamp. They now use the "experiential learning model" no more death by power point. You must also already know how to march a formation and conduct a PRT session, no more instruction on how to do it. Good luck

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2018 8:59 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 20:59:14 -0400

Huachuca does not have BLC. We send out Soldiers to Bliss for it. The academy here is ALC and SLC only.